Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievement of two students from Texas' 24th District. Yashica Nabar and Dawson Rhodes were selected to receive the Constituting America's Best High School Short Film Award and the Best Middle School Song Award, respectfully.

Each year, Constituting America--a non-profit, non-partisan organization that educates and informs students about the U.S. Constitution--sponsors the ``We The Future'' Contest. Students across the country submit songs, short films, PSA's, essays, STEM and marketing projects showcasing the U.S. Constitution.

Yashica and Dawson were selected along with just 39 other students nationwide. These students' achievements have not only made our entire community proud, but also exemplified the creativity harbored in North Texas. I thank Yashica and Dawson for their hard work and passion. They both have a bright future ahead.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Curt Morgan, who is concluding his nearly six-year service as Chief Executive Officer of Vistra Corp., one of the nation's largest integrated retail electricity and power generation companies, which is headquartered in the 24th District of Texas.

When Curt took over Vistra, the company operated exclusively in Texas. Today, its operations span more than 20 states, and its businesses serve more than 4.25 million customers.

Throughout its rapid growth, Curt ensured the company took proactive steps to create a culture of inclusion, improve its spending with diverse-owned enterprises, and be a company that does business the right way.

Curt has always believed that electricity is the lifeblood of our society, and access to reliable electricity is a fundamental necessity of life. To prepare Vistra for the future, he has spearheaded the transformation of the company's fleet to meet the challenges of producing reliable, affordable electricity in a rapidly changing world.

The Vistra Zero initiative is a years-long commitment to powering America's zero-carbon, clean energy future. Under this plan, Vistra has already built the world's largest battery energy storage facility, reduced its company's carbon footprint, and initiated or completed over a dozen solar and energy storage facilities.

A native of Galesburg, Illinois, Curt never forgot the impact power plants have historically played in their host communities. He has ensured an orderly and responsible retirement process that treated workers and the local community with dignity and respect. Through his advocacy, Illinois lawmakers passed the Coal to Solar and Energy Storage Initiative, which will transform nine retiring coal-fired plant sites into renewable energy centers.

Because of Curt's vision, business acumen, and leadership, for years to come, thousands of hardworking men and women in our nation's building trades and energy industry will safely operate power plants, install miles and miles of solar panels, configure hundreds of thousands of battery modules, responsibly retire legacy plants, and reclaim thousands of acres at retired plant sites.

Despite all the regulatory, environmental, and economic changes, including the unprecedented impact of a global pandemic and weather events, thanks to Curt's management Vistra's future is as bright as ever. I want to express my appreciation and best wishes to Curt, and I hope that he will continue to guide America's energy transition in his next professional chapter and wish he and his family well.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Giving Garden of Carrollton, a nonprofit community garden that not only creates a welcoming space for North Texans, but provides sustainable food to local food pantries.

The Giving Garden, which was started by Aldersgate United Methodist Church and Keep Carrollton Beautiful, allows North Texans from all walks of life to participate in this wonderful gardening community.

Every day, the Garden fulfills its mission to promote nutritious food, educate gardeners, allow for social interaction in the community, and most importantly, give to those in need.

Last year, the Garden donated over 4,400 pounds of locally grown produce to food pantries across the metroplex, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to many families in need.

By successfully carrying out its goals, the Giving Garden has truly made a difference in North Texas. I thank the many participants of this wonderful community garden. I am also incredibly grateful for their efforts to make North Texas a better place to live.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John B. Billingsley, Jr., Founder, Chairman and CEO of Tri Global Energy, headquartered in the 24th Congressional District, which I proudly represent. John has been widely recognized as a pioneer and industry leader for his vision and contributions to the development of renewable energy in Texas and the U.S., including by D CEO Magazine.

Recently, Billingsley was named Renewable Energy Executive of the Year by D CEO magazine as a part of their annual Energy Awards. The awards honor excellence and innovation in oil and gas from North Texas to the Permian Basin and for the first time, this award included the category of renewable energy. In addition to the designation for the annual Energy Awards, D CEQ magazine also named John Billingsley to its recently announced Dallas 500 list. The list--now in its 7th year-- features the Dallas/Fort Worth region's most influential leaders in more than 50 different industry categories.

Tri Global Energy is a Dallas-based originator and developer of utility-scale renewable energy projects including wind, solar, and energy storage. Founded over 12 years ago by Billingsley, the company today is the largest wind power developer in Texas (the state that leads the U.S. in wind development), and a top 10 developer of wind power nationally. In Texas alone, Tri Global Energy renewable energy projects represent over $800 million in taxes and royalties to local communities, $105 million in payments to landowners and investors, and $6.8 billion in capital investments projected over 30 years.

Billingsley, a West Texas native and Texas Tech University graduate, has founded and operated more than 20 businesses in industries as diverse as accounting and banking to agriculture, real estate, and manufacturing. He founded Tri Global Energy based on a business model of involving local landowners and communities in wind power projects, and he has led the company through more than a decade of growth and expansion.

I want to express my appreciation and best wishes to John Billingsley upon his impressive recognitions by D CEO magazine. North Texas was built by visionary leaders and entrepreneurs like Billingsley and we are proud that he has chosen the 24th Congressional District as his company headquarters.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Officer Tony Andujar, who has gone above and beyond to keep our community safe and honor his fallen brothers.

Tony not only serves North Texas every day with the Dallas Police Department, but he recently honored other Dallas Police officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice by participating in Carry the Load. Carry the Load works to bring all Americans together to participate in honoring our nation's heroes every day. This great mission also raises funds for non-profits for veterans' services and inspires patriotism in America's youth.

Last month, Tony joined the Carry the Load West Coast Route--from Seattle to Dallas--by walking for 8 days in remembrance of his fellow Dallas Police officers who are no longer with us.

Tony embodies the essence of a true public servant. He puts others in front of himself and will stand up to any challenge. Walking for 8 days with a 20-pound pack is a daunting task to many, but for Tony, it was the least he could do in remembrance of his fallen brothers.

As Tony put it, ``the weight of my ruck may not physically be heavy, but the weight of their loss is immeasurable.''

I thank Tony for his acts of service and inspiration to our community in North Texas.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mike E. Simonds, Senior Chief at Tarrant County Sheriffs Office. We congratulate Senior Chief Simonds on his retirement after dedicating 42 years of service to the citizens of Tarrant County, including 21 years with the Arlington Police Department.

Senior Chief Simonds has served an instrumental role in our community and state through years patrolling our streets, keeping drugs out of our cities and ensuring murderers were put behind bars. His unwavering commitment is unmatched, from assisting in the implementation of the nationwide Amber Alert Program, to helping develop the number one Human Trafficking Unit in North Texas, to building a robust Narcotics Unit, to growing the largest Auto Theft Task Force in the state.

Senior Chief Simonds served the last 5 years as the first Senior Chief for the Tarrant County Sheriffs Office with honor and integrity, bringing exceptional leadership to the agency.

I thank Senior Chief Simonds for his leadership and the lasting impact he has made with our law enforcement partners. He serves as a role model and mentor to future leaders maintaining the highest of standards. I congratulate him on his retirement and lasting memory of a career of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Grapevine Police Detective Christina O'Rear, who was recently named Mental Health Peace Officer of the Year by the Texas Crisis Intervention Team Association.

As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, this recognition is a timely reminder of the incredible work Detective O'Rear is doing to better our community.

Detective O'Rear not only serves as the primary liaison between Grapevine PD and North Texas mental health resources and hospitals, but she has gone above and beyond by following up with individuals dealing with mental health crises even after their police cases are terminated.

This extra and oftentimes life changing step is an excellent display of the kind of person Detective O'Rear is. By putting others ahead of herself and ensuring these individuals receive the proper care they need, I can think of no one more deserving of the Mental Health Peace Officer award.

I have gotten to see what a remarkable and dedicated public servant Detective O'Rear is after I selected her to serve on my Texas-24 Law Enforcement Advisory Board. It is rare to find someone who is as passionate and skilled at their job as she is. It is an honor to recognize her today.

I thank Detective O'Rear for her constant service to Texas-24.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor our Texas 24 Hometown Heroes of the week, the incredible veterans of the American Legion Post No. 379 in Bedford, TX.

American Legion Post No. 379 holds a significant place in Texas history. Since 1964, they have dutifully upheld the four pillars of the American Legion: Americanism, Children and Youth, National Security, and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation. In doing so, they have exemplified pride for our country, mentored and inspired our future generations, promoted strong national security, and displayed devotion to their fellow service members and veterans.

Furthermore, as the largest veterans post in the DFW area, they have played an integral part in preserving the legacy of our heroes and increasing awareness for our veterans. They have given returning vets more than activities, but a community.

Last week, Post No. 379 was awarded a Texas historical marker. I can't think of a better group to receive this honor than these men and women. Without their efforts to bring together North Texas veterans and keep the flame of history lit for generations, the legacy they have had on our country would likely be lost. I thank Post No. 379 for everything they have done for their country and community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jan Haberer, a Carrollton native, for her relentless fight to raise awareness for Alzheimer's.

Jan is no stranger to service. Her father was a World War II veteran, her son is currently in the Navy, and according to her friends, she ``serves in many ways in the community.''

After being diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment in 2013, Jan was forced to end her illustrious career as a missile defense engineer for Texas Instruments. However, Jan viewed this ``not as a death sentence, but a life sentence to help as many people as she could.''

Following her diagnosis, Jan began raising awareness and much-needed funding for the Alzheimer's Association. With her husband Randy, she eventually started her own Walk to End Alzheimer's team, called ``Jandy's Clan.'' Named after the partnership between Jan and Randy, this team is comprised of close friends, family, and dozens of passionate supporters.

Each year, Jandy's Clan participates in the Walk to End Alzheimer's, which helped her team become a top Dallas fundraiser in 2021. This incredible feat has gone a long way in Alzheimer's care, support, research, awareness, and advocacy. Furthermore, Jandy's Clan partners with the nonprofit, Secure Our Seniors' Safety, to ensure residents in senior living facilities are secure from criminal activity.

Jan's resilience in the face of adversity is not only an inspiring story, but it has benefited North Texas and all those suffering from Alzheimer's. I thank Jan, and hope she keeps up the hard work in her mission to fight Alzheimer's.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jewish Community Center of Dallas, which has gone above and beyond to better our community.

The JCC's mission is to bring the North Texas Jewish community together with their incredible facilities and programs, however they have done so much more than that.

Each year, the JCC provides over 18,000 hot meals to North Texan seniors, regardless of race or religion. As the pandemic loomed, the JCC's resolve was unwavering. They continued their senior meal service with an innovative drive-thru feature to keep seniors safe and well fed.

The Jewish Community Center's compassion and service to its community should serve as an inspiration to all North Texans. I thank the JCC for going above and beyond to ensure North Texas is a brighter place to live every single day.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Fusion Corps, Cistercian Preparatory School's Robotics Team from Irving, Texas for their incredible accomplishment earlier this year.

The Fusion Corps won the top prize in the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship in Houston, Texas, which featured 456 teams from 12 countries and 43 U.S. states.

Since 1991, this competition has tested students from across the world on who can build the best industrialsized robot. This group of young North Texas minds proved to the world that our community harbors the kind of unmatched talent and innovation it takes to be the best.

Fusion Corps' robot, Resilience, was a testament to the many challenges the team overcame to bring home their school's first-ever world championship. Despite many setbacks and limited resources, the students' passion and dedication brought them success.

I thank Fusion Corps for representing our North Texan community well on the global stage. They have made us all back home incredibly proud.

Madam Speaker, I rise to oppose the previous question so that we can immediately consider H.R. 6858, the American Energy Independence from Russia Act, to address U.S. energy security, the production of oil and gas, and the importation and exportation of oil and gas.

Gas prices have already topped $5 per gallon, and economists are predicting they will be $6 per gallon by August. Every American driver is paying nearly double since Biden took office, and the crisis is only getting worse.

This administration should have seen this coming. You can say what you want. You can blame whoever you want. This administration is failing to recognize that its policies have had a direct result on gas prices.

You don't block crucial pipelines. You don't block domestic infrastructure. You don't shut down drilling on Federal lands, declare war on the oil and gas industry, and become reliant on Russian oil and not expect prices to skyrocket and our global standing to weaken.

This administration is obviously not going to do anything but make this crisis worse, so this body must act.

The American Energy Independence from Russia Act will strengthen U.S. energy security, counter Russia, create American jobs, and protect domestic oil and gas dependency and production.

Republicans have proposed countless pragmatic bills, including the Strategy to Secure Offshore Energy Act, which I recently introduced. This directs the Department of the Interior to publish the next 5-year plan for offshore oil and gas lease sales.

We must hold this administration accountable as they continue to throw their hands up and blame everyone else for the energy crisis that they created. This bill will help provide the certainty necessary for continued investment in offshore production and support our domestic energy security.

In my colleague's home State of California, gas has reached $9.60 a gallon. Surely, we can all agree that that is unconscionable and must be addressed.

Madam Speaker, I urge opposition to the previous question so that we can pass needed legislation to put us back on course to unlocking American energy independence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of North Texas legend, Rayfield Wright, who passed away last week.

Rayfield was a long-time player for the Dallas Cowboys, marking his legacy as a hall of famer both on and off the field.

During his time with the Cowboys, Rayfield earned the iconic nickname ``Big Cat'' for his ability on his feet, despite his looming size. He helped lead the Cowboys in the 70's, winning an impressive five NFC championships and two Super Bowls along the way.

After thirteen seasons and an incredible 200+ games, Rayfield was rightfully inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His fellow Cowboys legend, Roger Staubach put it simply, ``he was absolutely the best.''

But his story did not end there, in fact far from it. Rayfield went on to put the same love and energy that he put into football, into his community.

Just last year, Rayfield put on a charity golf tournament outside Fort Worth to provide much needed relief to the community during the pandemic. Proceeds from the tournament went to a local food bank and first responders.

I thank Rayfield for always putting North Texas first, and inspiring us on the field and in the community. DFW will always remember his legacy; may he rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mike E. Simonds, Senior Chief at Tarrant County Sheriff's Office. We congratulate Senior Chief Simonds on his retirement after dedicating forty-two years of service to the citizens of Tarrant County, including twenty-one years with the Arlington Police Department.

Senior Chief Simonds has served an instrumental role in our community and state through years patrolling our streets, keeping drugs out of our cities and ensuring murderers were put behind bars. His unwavering commitment is unmatched, from assisting in the implementation of the nationwide Amber Alert Program, to helping develop the number one Human Trafficking Unit in North Texas, to building a robust Narcotics Unit, to growing the largest Auto Theft Task Force in the state.

Senior Chief Simonds served the last five years as the first Senior Chief for the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office with honor and integrity, bringing exceptional leadership to the agency.

I thank Senior Chief Simonds for his leadership and the lasting impact he has made with our law enforcement partners. He serves as a role model and mentor to future leaders maintaining the highest of standards. Congratulations to Senior Chief Simonds on his retirement and lasting memory of a career of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Texas-24 Hometown

Hero of the week, Rose Braziel, CEO and founder of Hope 4 Kids.

Rose started Hope 4 Kids with the same values she has carried with her, her entire life: love, respect, and kindness. In doing so, she's provided underprivileged children in North Texas with food, clothes, and an important sense of community.

Rose's goal is to not only ensure kids in her community are properly taken care of today, but to inspire them to be leaders tomorrow. By providing an environment for boys and girls to learn leadership skills, teamwork building, and the importance of volunteering, the next generation of Texas-24 is well-equipped to lead us for years to come.

Rose's journey to develop and inspire future leaders was far from easy. After two strokes and various doctors telling her she wouldn't walk or talk again, Rose has displayed unmatched resiliency and defied all odds to continue her incredible efforts.

Her strength and dedication have helped countless students in need of a mentor and a friend. I thank Rose for always putting the next generation before herself and ensuring they are set up for success.